Switch



Oct. 19, 1943. A. H. BUCKLEY SWITCH Filed Sept. 22, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Oct. 19, 1943. A. H. BUCKLEY SWITCH Filed Sept. 22, 1941 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Oct. 19, 1943 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE SWITCH Arthur H. Buckley, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 22, 19-11, Serial No. 411,824

17 Claims.

My invention relates in general to electrical controls, and has more particular reference to improved switch means, the invention relatin more especially to switch mechanism for starting and controlling vapor conduction electric discharge lamps.

An important object of the present invention is to provide compact, inexpensive switch means for controlling the delivery of electrical energy to a device embodying starting means operable during a definite interval in order to aid in initiating operation of the device, such starting means being inactive during the normal operation of the device following the starting period.

Another important object is to provide switch means comprising a pair of switch elements, one of which is in open position while the other is closed, and vice versa, including means to throw theswitches operable, in closing one switch and opening the other, to insure that both switch elements may be in closed position during a starting period; a further object being to utilize rotary means for throwing the switches; another object being to employ a pair of oppositely tumable switch members in coaxial alignment; a still further object being to provide manually operable means movable in one direction to throw one switch element and retractable thereafter in another direction to throw the other switch lement; yet a further object being to utilize an improved pawl and ratchet construction for actuating the switch elements; and still another object being to utilize a spring-pressed pull chain of simplified construction for actuating switch means.

Another important object is to provide an improved, inexpensive pull-chain connection for switch means, said connection embodying a ferrule universally rockable in a seat formed in the switch assembly, and simplified means for anchoring a flexible pull chain on the ferrule and on the switch mechanism.

Another important object is to provide a simplified and inexpensive rotary switch structure embodying a cam member progressively movable alternately to open and close the switch; a further object being to employ the cam member in combination with a movable switch element in such fashion that the switch element may operate as a latch securing the cam member selec tively in switch closed and switch open position; and a further object being to form th switch element as a yieldable blade of conducting material normally urged toward a face of th cam member and adapted to be pressed and held by the cam member in switch closed position, the cam member being formed when in switch open position to release the blade and permit it to assume switch open position.

Another important object resides in providing improved pawl means for actuating a switch operating ratchet; a further object being to form the pawl means as a yoke of resilient material having a pawl-forming arm in position to extend on one side of a ratchet, and a resilient arm adapted to extend at the opposite side of the ratchet and operable normally to urge the pawl into ratchet-engaging position; a further object being to form the yoke as a bent strip of sheet metal; a still further object being to provide a plurality of pawls on said yoke whereby to operate a plurality of ratchets; yet another object being to form said pawls, the one to operate a corresponding ratchet when the yoke is moved in one direction, and the other to operate a corresponding ratchet when the yoke is moved in another direction.

Another important object is to provide simplified means for connecting the yoke with operating means, such as a pull chain; a further object being to provide a connecting link having a head rockably connectible with the yoke as at an opening formed in the medial portions of the yoks-forming strip; a further object being to provide a guide support for the yoke and the yoke connected member and to arrange yielding means in co-operative association with the yoke for urging the same in one direction on said guide.

A further object is to form a yoke guide as a seat for a universally tiltable ferrule; a further object being to provide a simplified link for connecting the yoke with a pull chain anchored in said ferrule.

Another important object is to utilize a friction fitted disk for anchoring a pull chain in a ferrule.

Another important object is to provide a switch casing enclosing the switch mechanism, including rivets mounted in and extending through the walls of said casing and having portions exposed outwardly thereof, and to utilize said outwardly exposed rivet portions for the purpose of anchoring and. electrically connecting external conductors with the switch means enclosed within said housing.

Among the other numerous important objects and advantages of the invention is to provide an unusually neat, compact, rugged and serviceable switch adapted for low cost production; to provide a dual switch of the character mentioned adapted for use in controlling gaseous conduction lamps and similar devices requiring a main switch and an auxiliary switch operable in a pre-arranged sequence so that the auxiliary switch will be closed and remain closed only during a starting interval, after closure of the main switch, the auxiliary switch being adapted thereafter to open while the main switch remains closed so long as the device continues in operation; to provide a dual switch structure of the character mentioned, .wherein the desired sequence of operation of the main and auxiliary switches is accomplished merely by the successive application and release of actuating pressure upon the switch actuating mechanism.

These and numerous other important objects, advantages, and inherent functions of the in vention will be fully understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view of a gaseous conduction lamp provided with control means embodying my present invention;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of switch means embodying the present invention;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially along the line 33 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of parts forming the device shown in Figures 2, 3 and 4; and

Figure 6 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 65 in Figure 4.

To illustrate my invention, I have shown on the drawings an electrical device ll adapted to receive electrical energy from a suitable power source i3 through a control device I5, in accordance with my present invention, said control device comprising a main switch l'i. Upon closure of the main switch, electrical power for the operation of the device II will be delivered thereto through the circuit comprising the conductors l9 and 2|. As shown in the drawings, the device ll comprises a tubular gaseous conduction lamp embodying starting means 23 illustrated as filaments at the opposite ends of the tubular lamp. In starting the lamp in operation, it is necessary to electrically energize the filaments 23 in order to condition the lamp for operation after closure of the switch l1, and consequently the control device l5 embodies an auxiliary switch 25 connected to control the delivery of power to the starting filaments 23. The invention, of course, is not necessarily limited to switch means for the operation and control of gaseous conduction lamps, nor is the invention necessarily restricted in all of its phases to the dual switch arrangement illustrated and described. The several features of the invention, however, are particularly useful when arranged to form the dual switch mechanism, which has great utility when used to control gaseous conduction lamps of the character mentioned.

Application of operating potential between the spaced filaments 23 by closure of the switch Il will not necessarily start the lamp in operation unless the gaseous medium has been rendered sufiiciently conductive to allow current flow thereto between the spaced electrodes 23 at the potential supplied from the source i3. The filaments 23, when energized, function to ionize the gaseous contents of the lamp sufflciently to render the same conducting and thus condition the lamp for operation. As shown. the conductors l3 and 2| are connected each to one side of a filament 23, a reactance preferably in the form of a choke coil 23 being interposed in the conductor I! in series with the gaseous conduction path of the lamp. The other side of the filaments 23 are interconnected in series through the auxiliary switch 25 so that when the switches l1 and 23 are" both closed, a series circuit may be established, including the power source, the filaments 23, and the switches l1 and 25, whereby thus to energize the filaments and ionize the gaseous contents of the lamp and condition it for operation. After the illaments 23 are energized, the gaseous contents of the lamp become ionized almost instantaneously, and consequently the switch 25 may be opened almost immediately following the closure of the switch I! and thus disable the filaments 23 after ionizing, because the discharge of electrical power through the gaseous conduction path in the lamp between the electrodes 23 will maintain the ionized electrical conducting condition of the gaseous contents. Furthermore, when the switch 25 is opened, the interruption of the starting circuit imparts an inductive voltage kick by virtue of the coil 28, whereby the lamp goes into operation by virtue of the series circuit, comprising the power source, the conductors I9 and 2|, and the conduction path, afforded by the gaseous contents of the lamp in ionized condition through the operation of the illaments 23.

It is an important object of my present invention to provide improved and simplified control mechanism I5, including the main and auxiliary switches I1 and 25, whereby the main switch may be manually operated, as by means of the pull chain 21, to place the switch I1 either in open or in closed position and thus control the delivery of operating power from the source ii to the device H and to operate the auxiliary switch 23 so that it will be in closed position upon the closure of the main switch I! and will thereafter open to disable the starting means l3 and permit the device H to continue in normal operation.

In order to provide a positive, purely mechanical and exceedingly simple and inexpensive mechanism, my present invention contemplates identical structure for the switches l1 and 2| and identical cam members 29 operable to throw the switches to open or closed position, as the case may be, in response to the actuation of the manually operable means 21; and my invention envisages the construction and arrangement of the operating parts in compact form enclosed within a casing 3i from which the operating means 21 projects.

The casing preferably comprises a pair of identical cup-shaped member 33, each having a peripheral wall 35 and an integral bottom wall 31. The members 33 are preferably, though not necessarily, of cylindrical configuration, the bottom wall 31 being circular and having central openings 39 therethrough for the reception of a stem 4| which has opposed riveted ends at the bottoms of the members 33 for securing the same with open ends in facing registration to form a switch casing. The facing edges of the walls of the members 33 are formed with matching cut-out portion 43 forming a circular opening in which is mounted a support fitting 45. The bottom walls of the casing member 33 are formed with openlugs 41 and 49 on opposite sides of the central opening 39, and the switches l1 and 25, respec tively, comprise rivets 5| fastened in the openings 49 and resilient blades 53 secured on the bottom walls of the members 33 by means of riv= ets 55 extending in the openings 41. Each blade 53 is thus secured on the bottom of its enclosing member 33 and has a remote portion extending to and overlying the co-operating rivet 5! in the bottom wall of the member 33. To this end, the blade elements 53 preferably comprise resilient sheet material having semi-circular configuration, whereby the free or unanchored end of each member 53 may extend opposite the co-operating rivet 51, the portions of each member 53 op= posite the rivet being bent outwardly, as at 51, in a direction away from said co-operating rivet to form a tongue.

Each of the switches I1 and 25 co-operate with one of the cam members 29, which are of identical structure and are mounted on the pin 4| within the casing for rotation about the axis of the pin. Each cam member 29 comprises a hub 59 and a cam portion 6|, preferably formed as a disk, extending outwardly of the hub 59. On one side of the disk 6|, the hub 59 is preferably ctrlindrical to fit within the semi-circular blade member 53 of the associated switch. On the opposite side of the disk Bl, the hub comprises a ratchet 63. The cam element 29 and the housing members 33 preferably comprise molded products of hard rubber, Bakelite, or other moldable material.

The face of each cam portion or disk 6|- facing away from the ratchet 63 and toward the cooperating switch blade element 53 is formed with P a plurality of deep grooves 55 and intermediate tables 61 to successively receive the bent end portion 51 of the co-operating switch blade, the parts being so proportioned that when the blade portion 51 i in engagement with any of the table portions 61, the blade 53 will be forced against the contrary urge of its inherent resilience into electrical contact with the co-operating rivet 5|; but when the cam element 29 is in position to receive the blade portion 51 in any one of the deep grooves 65, the blade member 53 will be in switch open position releasing the rivet 5i. The elements 29 thus comprise switch actuating cams operable in conjunction with the inherent resilience of the blade members 53 to throw the switches l1 and 25 alternately and successively into switch open and switch closed position,

The switches l1 and 25 may be electrically connected in circuit in simple fashion due to the novel arrangement of the rivets 5| and 55 in the bottom wall of the casing members 23. It will be noted that the outwardly facing ends of the rivets form pockets adapted each to receive a conductor for connecting the switch in circuit. The conductor may easily be soldered in place in the pocket to form neat electrical connection.

It will be noted that the blade portion 51 will co-operate with the associated cam element 29 to permit rotation of the cam in one direction only, that i to say, in the direction toward the free end 51 of the blade. It will be noted also that the members 29 are assembled on the pin H with the ratchet portions 63 in adjacent abutting relationship and that the members 29, due to the co-operation of theassociated blade elements 53, may turn only in opposite directions on the pin 4|.

In order to actuate the cam members 29 alternately to open and close the associated switches, I provide pawl means 69 reciprocable adjacent the abutting ratchet portions 63 in position to co-operate with said ratchet portions for the turning of the elements 29 in opposite directions on the pin 49, the pawl means being arranged, in the illustrated embodiment, to turn one of the members 29 when moved in one direction and to turn the other member 29 when moved in the opposite direction. To this end, the pawl means 59 comprises a yoke iii formed preferably from a sheet metal strip and affording a pair of arms ll and 13 in position extending on opposite sides of the adjacent ratchet portions of the elements 29. The arm H is formed to provide a pawl 15 in position to co-operate with one of the ratchet portions 53 and a pawl l1 in position to co-operate with the other ratchet portion 53, the pawl 15 co-operating with the ratchet forming a part of the cam member operatively associated to control the switch 25, and the pawl 11 co-operating with the ratchet forming a part of the cam member operatively associated to control the switch H. The pawls "i5 and ii are thus arranged on one side of the ratchets E53, and the arm 13 bears upon the opposite sides of said-ratchet portions to yieldingly maintain the pawls in operating position with respect to the ratchets. The ratchet portion 63 of each cam member 29 comprises teeth equal in number to the sum of notches 65 and tables 61 in the cam disk 6!.

By drawing the yoke 19 radially outwardly of the pin 4|, the pawl '51, by co-operation with its associated ratchet portion 63, may turn the cam member controlling the switch [1 from a starting position, in which the end of its associated blade is in switch open position in a deep notch 65, through an angular displacement in clockwise direction, viewing Figure 3, sufiicient to register the adjacent table 61.with the end of the switch blade and thus close the switch, or from a starting position with a table 61 engaging the end of the blade and thus closing the switch to a position in which the succeeding notch is opposite the blade, thereby permitting the switch to open. By moving the yoke radially inwardly of the pin 4|, the pawl 15, by cooperation with its associated ratchet portion 63, may turn the cam member controlling the switch 25 from a starting position, in which the end of its associated blade is supported in switch closed position on one of the tables 61, through an angular displacement in counter-clockwise direction, viewing Figure 3, SllffiCiGl'lt to rotate the cam portion 6| to register the adjacent notch 65 with the end of the switch blade, thereby permitting the switch to open, or from a starting position with the end of the blade in switch open position in a notch 65 to switch closed position with the adjacent table supporting the end of the blade.

It will be noted, therefore, that by initially orienting the members 29 so that the blade of the switch I1 is in a notch 55, that is to say, in switch open position, and with the blade of the switch 25 in position supported on a table 61, that is to say, in closed position, with the switch actuating mechanism in normal retracted position shown in Figure 3, the desired sequence of operation of the switches for controlling the device I I may be had. With such an arrangement of the cam elements, closure of the switch i1 is accomplished as a result of movement of the yoke 10 in one direction from retracted position, whereby both switches are in closed position while the yoke remains in shifted position, and thereafter the opening of the switch 25 will be caused as a result of the return of the yoke 10 to its normal or stand-by position. By repeating the cycle of yoke movement, the switch I1 may be opened,

followed by closure of the switch 25, which will remain closed until after re-closure of the switch I1 as a. result of again repeating the operating cycle of the yoke.

Another switch operating sequence may be provided by orienting the cam devices 29 so that both switch elements 53 are received in cam notches 65 when the yoke is in stand-by position, such arrangement resulting in closure of the switch I1 during the movement of the yoke in one direction followed by closure of the switch 25 during the return movement of the yoke to stand-by position. During a succeeding yoke operating cycle, the switch I1 will be opened, the switch 25 remaining closed during movement of the yoke in one direction, the switch 25 opening asa result of the return of the yoke to normal stand-by position, and the switch I1 remaining open until reclosed by repeating the operating cycle of the yoke.

The present invention includes simple, inexpensive means for actuating the yoke 10, said means being supported by the frame element 45, which preferably comprises a metallic screw machine product of cylindrical configuration having outer screw threaded surfaces 19 and a groove 05 adjacent an end of the element 45. groove receives the edges of the members 33 defining the opening 43 so that by applying the members 33 upon the grooved end of the member 45, the same is rigidly and firmly secured on the casing in the opening 43. The member 45 is formed with anaxial channel 83 opening at the inner end of the fitting into the chamber formed by the casing members 33. Near the outer end of the member 45, the channel 83 is formed with an annular shoulder 85 facing toward the end of the member 45, the channel 83 opening through the shoulder at the outer end of the member 45 through a restricted bore 81 which is surrounded by a rim 89 at the outer end of the member 45 which is formed with a seat 9| outwardly of the rim 89. The medial portions of the yoke 10 extend within the inner end of the channel 83, and said medial yoke portions are connected within the channel 83 with a connecting member 93, which is preferably rockably secured to the yoke. medial portions of the yoke may be formed with a slot or opening 95. The connecting member 93 preferably comprises a stem portion 91 and an integral head 99, the same being connected with the yoke by insertion of the stem 91 through the opening 95, and the member 93 preferably comprises a stamped metal piece. The channel 83 of the member 45 serves to support and guide the medial portions of the yoke 10, and the stem of the member 93 extends in the channel 83 and in the bore 81, a spring IOI being arranged in the channel 83 in position encircling the stem of the member 93 and pressing at the opposite ends of the spring upon the shoulder 85 and upon the medial portions of the yoke 10 in order to urge the same normally in a direction radially inwardly toward the pin M and the ratchet portions 63. The end of the stem 91 remote from the yoke 10 extends in the bore 81 and is formed for connection with themanually operable means 21 and to this end, as shown in the drawings, is formed with a perforation I03.

The manually operable means 21 preferably comprises a generally cylindrical member which may conveniently be formed as a screw machine To this end, the

part I305, said part having an axial channel I01 enlarged at one end to form a pocket I09 surrounded by a rim I II formed for universal rocking engagement on the seat 0|. At the end of the fitting I05 remote from the rim I I I is formed a seat II3 surrounded by an annular shoulder Hi, the channel I01 opening within the seat II3. In order to connect the member I05 with the connecting member 93, I utilize a chain H1 and a hook II9 preferably comprising a length of stiff wire bent at its midsection to form a pair of spaced arms, the terminal portions of which are formed as hooks. The chain I I1 comprises a series of spherical elements I2I of a size rockably secured between adjacent elements I2I.

The hook member II9 may be attached to the connecting member 93 by drawing the perforated end thereof outwardly of the member 45 and then inserting the hook member in the perforation I03 so that the medial portions of the hook are rockingly received in the perforation. The end element I2I of the chain II1 may then be hung upon the hooked arms of the member II9. Thereupon, the remote end of the chain Ill may be introduced into the cavity I09 in the fitting I05 and threaded thence through the channel I01. The chain may then be fastened on the fitting I05 by means of a holding disk I25 having a radial slot I21 formed therein from an edge to the center of the disk. This disk is applied to the chain between a pair of spherical elements at the outer end of the fitting I05, the slot I21 being just wide enough to receive the intermediate link I23. The disk I25 is press-fitted upon the seat II3 within the rim II5 which, if desired, may be peened over upon the edges of the disk to hold the same in place. The chain II1 may, of course, extend outwardly of the disk I25 to any desired length or may terminate with the spherical chain element I2I which is disposed at the outwardly facing surface of the disk. By rocking the fitting I05 on the seat 9I either by pulling upon the outwardly extending portions of the chain H1 or by directly manipulating the fitting I05, the connecting rod 93 may be drawn outwardly in the channel 03 to compress the spring IN and thereby draw the yoke 10 from its stand-by position illustrated in Figure 3 against the influence of the spring IOI sufllciently to throw the switch I1 from open to closed position or vice versa. By releasing the manually perable means 21 from tilted position, the spring IOI will reseat the end of the fitting I05 upon the seat 9| and will return the yoke 10 to stand-by position, thereby throwing the switch 25 from open to closed position or vice versa.

The outer threaded surfaces 19 of the member 45 may carry clamping nuts I29 by means 01' which the switch mechanism may be supported on a panel or frame having a perforation for receiving the member 45 so that by tightening the nuts I29 together upon the member 45 and on opposite sides of the panel, the entire structure may be firmly secured in place.

It is thought that the invention and its numerous attendant advantages will be fully understood from the foregoing description, and it is obvious that numerous changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the several parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention, or sacrificing any oi. its attendant advantages, the form herein disclosed being a preferred embodiment for the purpose of illustrating the invention.

The invention is hereby claimed as follows:

1. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches, an actuating cam drivlngly associated with each switch, each cam being operable suecessively to move its associated switch into open and closed position, and common actuating means for the several actuating cams, said common 'means being manually operable in one direction to actuate one of said cams, spring means-to retract said common means in the other direction to actuate another of said cams whereby to move said cams successively in a predetermined se quence in response to manual operation and release of said common means.

2. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches biased toward open position, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each switch, each cam being operable successively to move its associated switch to closed position and to release the switch for opening movement, and common actuating means for ,the several cams, said common means being manually operable in one di rection to actuate one of said cams, spring means to retract said common means in the other direction to actuate another of said cams whereby to move the cams in a predetermined sequence in response to manual operation and release of said common means.

3. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade movable between switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one of said positions, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing influence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, and common actuating means for the several cams, said common means being manually operable in one direction to actuate one of said cams, spring means to retract said common means in the other direction to actuate another of said cams whereby to move the cams successively in a predetermined sequence in response to manual operation and release of said common means.

4. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade movable between switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one of said positions, an actuating -cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing in fiuence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, each cam comprising a member formed with spaced-apart sockets and intermediate tables for successively engaging the.

co-operating blade in said sockets and on said tables, whereby alternately to project the blade against the biasing influence and allow retraction of the blade under said influence, and common actuating means for the several cams, said com mon means being operable to move the cams successively in a predetermined sequence.

5. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade movable be tween switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one ofsaid positions, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing in fiuence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, each cam comprising a turnable member formed for driving engagement with its associated blade and with ratchet means for turning the same in progressive steps, and common actuating means for the several actuating cams, comprising a movable pawl element formed to successively engage the ratchet means of the several cams whereby to actuate the same in a predetermined sequence.

6. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade movable between switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one of said positions, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing influence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, each cam comprising a turnable member formed for driving engagement with its associated blade and with ratchet means for turning the same in progressive steps, and common actuating means for the several actuating cams, comprising a movable pawl element formed to successively engage the ratchet means of the several cams whereby to actuate the same 7 in a predetermined sequence, the said cams of a pair of switches having the said ratchet means thereof in adjacent relationship and said pawl element including a pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of one cam to turn the same in one direction as the pawl element is moved away from stand-by position and another pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of another cam to turn the same in the opposite direction as the pawl element is returned to stand-by position.

7. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade. movable between switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one ofsaid positions, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing influence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, each cam comprising a turnable member formed for driving engagement with its associated blade and with ratchet means for turning the same in progressive steps, and common actuating means for the several actuating cams, comprising a movable pawl element formed to successively engage the ratchet means of the several cams whereby to actuate the same in a predetermined sequence, the said cams of a pair of switches having the said ratchet means thereof in adjacent relationship and said pawl element including a pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of one cam to turn the same in one direction as the pawl element is moved away from stand-by position and another pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of another cam to turn the same in the opposite direction as the pawl element is returned to stand-by position, and yielding means normally urging said pawl element toward stand-by position.

8. Switch mechanism comprising a plurality of switches each comprising a blade movable between switch open and switch closed position and normally biased toward one of said positions, an actuating cam drivingly associated with each blade, each cam being operable successively to move its associated blade against the biasing in fluence and to release the blade for movement in accordance with its bias, each cam comprising a turnable member formed for driving engagement with its associated blade and with ratchet means for turning the same in progressive. steps, and common actuating means for the several actuating cams, comprising a movable pawl element formed to successively engage the ratchet means 1! the several cams whereby to actuate the same in a predetermined sequence, the said cams of a pairof switches having the said ratchet means thereof in adjacent relationship and said pawl element including a pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of one cam to turn the same in one direction as the pawl element is moved away from stand-by position and another pawl tine for co-operation with the ratchet means of another cam to turn the same in the opposite direction as the pawl elementis returned to stand-by position, yielding means normally urgingsaid pawl element toward stand-byposition, and manually operable means for retracting the pawl element from stand-by position against the influence oisaid yielding means.

9. In switch mechanism the combination with a switch blade movable between switch open and switch closed position, driving means including a reciprocable member for throwing the blade alternately to open and closed positions, spring means normally urging said member in one direction, and manually operable means for retracting the member against the influence of said spring means comprising a tiltable ferrule, of a flexible chain anchored on said ferrule,- said chain comprising a series of spaced-apart link elements interconnected by connecting members, said ferrule having a channel receiving a portion of said chain and formed with a shoulder encircling said channel, an anchoring disk having a slot to receive a connecting member of the chain whereby the disk may be assembled on the chain between adjacent link elements thereof in position to bear upon the shoulder of the ferrule in order to anchor the chain against longitudinal movement in one direction on the ferrule, and

means to connect the ferrule with said member.

10. In switch mechanism the combination with a switch blade movable between switch open and switch closed position, and operable means for throwing the blade between open and closed positions comprising a rockable'ferrule formed with a channel and a shoulder encircling the channel, of a chain extending in the channel and comprising a series of spaced-apart link elements flexibly interconnected by connecting members and an anchoring disk having a slot to receive a connecting member between adjacent links whereby the disk maybe attached onthe chain in position to engage the shoulder of the ferrule, and means to secure the disk on said shoulder.

11. In switch mechanism the combination with a switch blade movable between switch open and switch closed position, and operable means for throwing the blade between open and closed positions comprising a rockable ferrule formed with a channel and. a flange defining a shoulder encircling the channel, of a chain extending in the channel and comprising a series of spaced-apart link elements flexibly interconnected by connect- I 2,382,434 I sitions comprising a rockable ferrule formed with a channel and an annular flange defining a shoulder encircling the channel. of a chain extending in the channel and comprising a series of spacedapart link elements flexibly interconnected by connecting members and an anchoring disk having a slot to receive a connecting member between adjace'nt links whereby the disk may be attached on the chain in position to engage the shoulder of the ferrule, said disk being swaged to expand the same within the flange to secure the disk in place.

13. In switch mechanism the combination with a switch blade movable between switch open and, switch closed position, and operable means for throwing the blade between open and closed positions comprising a rockable ferrule formed with a channel and an annular flange deflning a shoulder encircling the channel, of a chain extending in the channel and comprising a series of spaced-apart link elements flexibly interconnected by connecting members andan anchoring disk having a slot to receive a connecting member between adjacent links whereby the disk may be attached on the chain in position to engage the shoulder of the ferrule, said disk being interlockingly secured within said flange to hold the disk in place on said shoulder.

14. The combination with a pair of switches of a switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close one of said switches, another switch element rotatable in the reverse direction to alternately open and close the other of said switches, a ratchet on each of said rotatable switch elements, a reciprocable actuating element having pawl means thereon in position to engage the ratchets on said switch elements whereby to turn one switch element in one direction when said actuating means is projecting in one direction and to turn the other switch element in the reverse direction when said actuating element is retracted in a reverse direction, manually operable means for retracting said actuating element in one direction, and spring me'ans normally biasing said actuating element 15. The combination with a pair of switches of a switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close one of said switches, another switch element rotatable in the reverse direction to alternately open and close the other of said switches, a ratchet on each of said rotatable switch elements, a 'reciprocable actuating element having pawl means thereon in position to engage the ratchets on said switch elements whereby to turn one switch element in one direction when said actuating means is projected in one direction and to turn the other switch element in the reverse direction when said actuating element is retracted in a reverse direction, manually operable means for I retracting said actuating element in one direction, and spring means normally biasing said actuating element for projecting movement in the reverse direction whereby to project said actuating element in said reverse direction upon release of said manually operable means, said rotatable switch elements and ratchets thereon comprising identical structures and being mounted for turning movement on a common axis with said ratchets disposed in adjacent side by Side relations ip.

16. The combination with a pair of switches of a switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close one of said switches, another switch element rotatable in the reverse direction to alternately open and close the other of said switches, a ratchet on each of said rotatable switch elements, a reciprocable actuating element having pawl means thereon in position to engage the ratchets on said switch elements whereby to turn one switch element in one direction when said actuating means is projected in one direction and to turn the other switch element in the reverse direction when said actuating element is retracted in a reverse direction, manually operable means for retracting said actuating element in one direction, and spring means normally biasing said actuating element for projecting movement in the reverse direction whereby to project said actuating element in said reverse direction upon release of said manually operable means, said rotatable switch elements and ratchets thereon being identical structures each comprising a disc and an integral sleevelike hub forming the ratchet on one side of the disc, said disc on its other side being formed to provide switch operating cam means, said switch elements being supported for tuming movement about a common axis with said ratchets disposed in adjacent side by side relationship in position to be actuated by the pawls of said actuating element.

17. The combination with a pair of switches of a switch element rotatable in one direction to alternately open and close one of said switches, another switch element rotatable in the reverse direction to alternately open and close the other of said switches, a ratchet on each of said rotatable switch elements, a reciprocable actuating element having pawl means thereon in position to engage the ratchets on said switch elements whereby to turn one switch element in one direction when said actuating means is projected in one direction and to turn the other switch element in the reverse direction when said actuating element is retracted in a reverse direction, manually operable means for retracting said actuating element in one direction, and spring means normally biasing said actuating element for projecting movement in the reverse direction whereby to project said actuating element in said reverse direction upon release of said manually operable means, said rotatable switch elements and ratchets thereon comprising identical structures and being mounted for turning movement on a common axis with said ratchets disposed in adjacent side by side relationship, said actuating element comprising a member having spaced arms extending on opposite sides of said axis with one arm pressing upon said adjacently disposed ratchets and the other arm formed with a pair of pawl tines in position to cooperate with said ratchets, one tine serving to drive one ratchet in one direction during projecting movement of the actuating element and the other tine being adapted to drive the other ratchet in the reverse direction during retracting movement of said actuating element.

ARTHUR H. BUCKLEY. 

